Kitchen renovation: Modern and functional kitchen

The problem: An awkward layout

Closed off and cramped, there was nothing working about this family kitchen.

Solution: An updated floor plan

2 / 10

Image by: Style at Home
By: Eryn Chesney
Source: Ashley Capp

A swish of the wand (and hammer) and this small space went from cramped and dreary to open and fresh, the perfect match for this family.

Bringing the outdoors in

3 / 10

Image by: Style at Home
By: Eryn Chesney
Source: Ashley Capp

“I’m a firm believer in bringing the outdoors in,” says designer Trish Johnston. To liven up the space, she chose a durable light grey faux bois porcelain tile for the floor and glossy white subway tiles to run floor-to-ceiling behind the range. To counter all the white, Trish chose a bold wallpaper. “The cheery green pattern is so fresh and inspiring,” she says. Hits of natural texture and gold-toned hardware tie the whole look together. “It’s all big box but doesn’t feel like it,” explains Trish.

A functional layout

“When I first saw the space, it was apparent that the layout was not working,” says Trish. “So I redesigned the kitchen with a working triangle in mind to make it more functional.”

Creating extra storage

5 / 10

Image by: Style at Home
By: Eryn Chesney
Source: Ashley Capp

Trish replaced the peninsula with an island and changed its orientation to run down the centre of the room, allowing her to incorporate a large 10-foot-long version, complete with an undermount sink, dishwasher and tons of extra storage.

Adding more seating

6 / 10

Image by: Style at Home
By: Eryn Chesney
Source: Ashley Capp

Trish wanted to create a way for Nicole and Nial’s son, Nathan, 5, to be able to participate in mealtime prep, so she got rid of the table and chairs and incorporated a few stools at the island. “It’s a great place for him to colour or play while Mom and Dad are working in the kitchen,” says trish. By the window, two armchairs serve as a spot for morning coffee or evening cocktails. “They really soften the hard lines in the space and give it a homey, relaxed vibe,” says Trish. With the accompanying vibrant wallpaper and jute rug, the area almost evokes a mini sitting room.

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Creating a command centre

7 / 10

Image by: Style at Home
By: Eryn Chesney
Source: Ashley Capp

Trish also created a command centre between two banks of cabinetry to give homeowners Nicole and Nial Hennessy a spot for charging electronics, paying bills or displaying self-serve appetizers and drinks for guests.

Creating zones

8 / 10

Image by: Style at Home
By: Eryn Chesney
Source: Ashley Capp

“We spruced up the room by using IKEA's Sektion/Bodbyn cabinetry throughout, but in white for the island and in grey for the pantry wall,” says Trish. The contrasting colours help define the kitchen’s two zones: work and storage.

Staying organized

9 / 10

Image by: Style at Home
By: Eryn Chesney
Source: Ashley Capp

With so many cabinets and tons of storage, it's important to stay organized, even in the smallest drawers.